Obama sending delegation Vatican for Dolan, O'Brien elevations

WASHINGTON--Though President Barack Obama and Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan, chief of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, tangled last week over religious employers offering contraception coverage, the president is sending a delegation to the Vatican for Dolan's elevation.

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 16, 2012

President Obama Announces Presidential Delegation to the Holy See to Attend a Ceremony Elevating Two American Archbishops to Cardinals

President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to the Holy See to attend the consistory at which two American Archbishops will be elevated to Cardinals. On February 18, Pope Benedict XVI will elevate Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York and Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien of Baltimore to the College of Cardinals.

The Honorable Miguel H. Díaz, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, will lead the delegation.